Kaci King: A Celebration of LifeJanuary 3, 1981- November 4, 2014

Order of ServiceOpening Prayer

Scripture Readings: Latrice Taylor Old Testament: Job 19:2, 23-27 New Testament: John 14:27-28

Resolutions: Maxine L. BosticSpecial Remarks:

State Rep. Ponka-We VictorsWilma and Rachel Willard

Tiffany Davis Dr. Gretchen Eick

Musical Selection: Ciara Moore Tribute Poems

Roads of Life - Ethan Hemphill Sho’ Do Have it Better - Emery Diercks

Reading of the Obituary: Christina M. LongWords of Comfort: Michael E. Woods,

Associate Minister, Saint Mark United Methodist Church

Closing Tribute: Nikki AdamsBenediction

Kaci King: A Celebration of LifeJanuary 3, 1981- November 4, 2014

“But if my words never reach thepoint of critical acclaim,let their literary meaning rest in thesouls of poets who seek no fame...”

- Kaci King

Acknowledgements & Special ThanksAcknowledgements & Special ThanksAcknowledgements & Special ThanksAcknowledgements & Special ThanksHonorary Pall Bearers

John Willard Erik Willard

Willard Willard, Jr.Frank Webb

Robert Cooper James Fitz

Honorary Flower girlsKamaria WillardAlina Hamilton

Geiona HamiltonAsia HamiltonLayla Hamilton

Patricia Fitz

Robert J. Bethea, Jr. Funerals- Cremations Abode Venue

City Blue PrintThe Community Voice

Mrs. Brenda Nunley and Maya NunleyDr. Gretchen Eick

K aci Camille King was born January 3, 1981 to Oscar Lee King and Trisha Woodard. Being born into a family of strong believers, Kaci accepted the

Lord, Jesus Christ, at an early age and demonstrated her faith as an active member of Calvary Baptist Church. Not only did Calvary nurture Kaci in the faith; the church also became a training ground for Kaci’s earliest public poetry performances.

Kaci’s genuine and vibrant personality made her a beloved friend and student at Earhart, Pleasant Valley Middle School and, ultimately, North High School where she graduated in 1999. During her childhood, she published her fi rst book called, “The War of My Life” and, as a teenager, became a skilled debater, and a highly-decorated oratorical competitor. She was also interested in her community serving as co-chair of Wichita’s Promise Youth Council and as an intern for then-Governor Kathleen Sebelius.

Kaci attended Butler Community College, Wichita State University and graduated from Friends University. At Friends, she became an award-winning writer and editor of the university’s online publication, The Crimson Chronicle. Kaci also reported for The Community Voice and was a correspondent for The Wichita Eagle. In addition to her reporting, Kaci pursued other career paths including serving as Associate Director of Admissions at National American University. All the while, she continued amassing accolades for her poetry, which eventually earned her the moniker: “Queen of Kansas Poetry.”

K aci Camille King was born January 3, 1981 to

Kaci Camille KingShe shared stages with numerous published spoken word artists, poets from HBO’s Def Poetry Jam, the musical artist, Tank, as well as winning local honors in the Wichita River Festival’s annual poetry slam —an event that Kaci would successfully lead and restructure in 2007 to give it more of a citywide appeal. Kaci was also a frequent participant and featured artist in the notable One Mic: Open Mic + Poetry Series in Salina and is credited by organizers as helping the series expand to Wichita earlier in 2014. Also, in 2014, Kaci realized her dream of publishing, “If My Words…” a collection of poems that chronicled her growth as a poet. The book, which she called “her legacy,” was publically released on April 1, 2014 to coincide with National Poetry Month.

When she wasn’t working or writing, Kaci was all about friends and family. She was proud that her family tree included a Buffalo Soldier, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and a host of strong, praying women. Kaci, in turn, took an active part in sharing her faith and being a loving, nurturing mentor to her nieces, nephew and friends’ children.

Kaci’s longtime battle with heart disease concluded on Tuesday, November 4, 2014. She is preceded in death by her great-grandparents, Thomas Willard and Darlene Willard; her grandparents, Wigmon Woodard and Patricia Woodard; her great aunt, Darlene Willard Webb Cooper, her great uncle, Willard Mark Willard and her parents, Oscar L. King and Trisha N. Woodard.

She is survived by a host of family and loving friends.

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